Tiller positioning apparatus

ABSTRACT

A tiller positioning apparatus for selectively positioning a tiller of a boat includes at least two elongate members, a cylinder member, and multiple engagement members. The elongate members are juxtaposed on a flat surface proximal to a stern end of the boat, and the cylinder member is fixedly attached between the juxtaposed elongate members. The engagement members are positioned on the cylinder member to form multiple gaps between each engagement member, where the tiller is configured to be selectively positioned on the gaps or the engagement members so that the tiller is in a constant position for a predetermined period of time during the sailing process. In an embodiment, the cylinder member is further configured to axially rotate and disengage the tiller from the gaps between the engagement members, therefore allowing free movement of the tiller above the cylinder member.

BACKGROUND

Conventionally, in a boat, for example a sailboat, a tiller is used for steering. In order to steer the boat, a person must keep one of his/her hands on the tiller to direct the boat, as it will not usually stay in position after it is released. When the sailor is required to leave the position where he/she is able to hold onto the tiller, or where some other activity necessitates the use of both hands, there must be some alternative method to hold the tiller in its position in order to sustain the sailboat on its course. Further, there is a definite need for precise and dependable boat maneuvering in small areas, as around docks and narrow channels. Without such efficient maneuvering mechanisms in sailboats, collision damages may occur to the vessel surface, passenger, or the docking areas, etc.

Sailors or boat operators, especially of small sailboats are often troubled with the task of continuously monitoring the tiller to keep the boat on an anticipated course. Under certain sailing conditions, it is required to keep the tiller in a chosen position for a long period of time. Numerous improvements have been made to the tiller to meet this need. However, the mechanisms, as known in the prior art systems, provided for this purpose cannot be easily added to a boat by a beginner and most methods are complex systems which carry multiple disadvantages, such as bulkiness and difficulty to use. Further, the prior art systems, in general, do not have sufficient technology for selectively locking the tiller in chosen positions or for flexibly and quickly changing the tiller to a new desired position

U.S. Pat. No. 3,279,410 teaches that a tiller must be long enough to reach into the cockpit to make engagement. But here, there is no free movement, the spring mount is temporary, it's a two handed operation, and it consumes valuable space in the cockpit. U.S. Pat. No. 4,188,904 teaches an accessory for use on vessels, particularly sailboats, to maintain the tiller selectively in different positions. But this requires modification, for example, screwing brackets to sailboat. It's a two-handed operation for even the slightest course correction, it's made for full cockpit sailboats, and it consumes valuable space in the cockpit. U.S. Pat. No. 8,069,803 teaches a boat tiller restraining device. Here, it requires modification, for example, screwing brackets to sailboat and also to the tiller, requires cable or rope to be installed, and it consumes valuable space in the cockpit. U.S. Pat. No. 5,133,274 teaches a kinetic integral steering system. Here, it requires modification, for example, screwing brackets to sailboat, it is made for full cockpit sailboats only, and it takes up valuable space in the cockpit.

Numerous tiller locking or stabilizing devices are discussed in many of the prior art systems for diminishing the exertion of forces against the rudder which tend to direct the sailboat off course or cause it to change the course sharply in a hazardous manner. Such tiller locking mechanisms are useful when it is problematic to maintain control of the tiller during a sailing process, for example, when a user is sailing a boat with one hand on the tiller and must attend to the trim/steering control of the sails, tending to other utility tasks, or when the user simply wants the boat to sail automatically in one direction. But in most of these systems, the length of the tiller has to reach the cockpit in order for the sailor to precisely maneuver the boat. Therefore, there is a requirement for a tiller mechanism, where the tiller structure does not interfere with the cockpit of the boat.

Hence, there is a long felt, but unresolved, need for a tiller positioning apparatus which will avoid the additional monitoring required for the tiller during a sail process, avoid interference of the tiller with the cockpit of the boat, provide ease to engage and disengage the tiller and provide selective operation of the tiller at predefined intervals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The tiller positioning apparatus disclosed herein addresses the above mentioned needs of avoiding the additional monitoring required for the tiller during the sailing process, avoiding interference of the tiller with the cockpit of the boat, providing ease to engage and disengage the tiller, providing selective operation of the tiller at predefined intervals, etc. The tiller positioning apparatus, for selectively positioning a tiller of a boat, comprises at least two elongate members, a cylinder member, and a multiple engagement member. In an embodiment, the engagement member is one or a combination of a pin member and a slot. The elongate members are juxtaposed on a flat surface proximal to the stern end of the boat, and the cylinder member is fixedly attached between the juxtaposed elongate members. The slots are recessed into the cylinder, and the engagement members are positioned on the cylinder member to form multiple gaps between each engagement member, for example, each slot and pin members, where the tiller is configured to be selectively positioned in the gaps or on the engagement members so that the tiller is in a constant position for a predetermined period of time during the sailing process.

In an embodiment, the tiller is further configured to be selectively positioned on one of the slot or pin members so that the tiller is in a constant position for a predetermined period of time during the sailing process. In an embodiment, the cylinder member, when not in use, is further configured to axially rotate and disengage the tiller from the gaps between the slot or pin members, therefore allowing free movement of the tiller above the cylinder member. In an embodiment, the tiller positioning apparatus further comprises brackets fixedly positioning the elongate members to bridle mounting holes positioned on the flat surface proximal to the stern end of the boat. In an embodiment, the tiller positioning apparatus further comprises a saddle clamp positioned over the tiller at the point of contact of the tiller with the cylinder member, wherein the saddle clamp is configured to fixedly position the tiller in one of between the pin members, slots, or the gaps.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of the tiller positioning apparatus.

FIG. 1B exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of the tiller positioning apparatus, showing slots positioned on the cylinder.

FIG. 1C exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of another embodiment of the tiller positioning apparatus, showing pin members and slots positioned on the cylinder.

FIG. 2A exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view, showing an enlarged view of the tiller positioning apparatus.

FIG. 2B exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of the saddle clamp.

FIG. 3A exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of the tiller positioning apparatus.

FIG. 3B exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of the tiller positioning apparatus positioned on the boat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1A exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of the tiller positioning apparatus 100, FIG. 1B exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of the tiller positioning apparatus 100, showing slots 110 positioned on the cylinder 102, and FIG. 1C exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of another embodiment of the tiller positioning apparatus 100, showing pin members 103 and slots 110 positioned on the cylinder 102. As used herein, the term “tiller” refers to an elongate rod made of wood or metal that is used to control the positioning of a rudder 109 of a boat 106 in order to direct the boat 106 in a desired direction during a sailing process. The tiller positioning apparatus 100 for selectively positioning a tiller 105 of a boat 106 comprises at least two elongate members 101, a cylinder member 102, and multiple engagement members 103. The elongate members 101 are juxtaposed on a flat surface 106 a proximal to a stern end 106 b of the boat 106, and the cylinder member 102 is fixedly attached between the juxtaposed elongate members 101, for example, in a substantially U shape. The engagement members 103 positioned on the cylinder member 102 defines multiple gaps 104 between each engagement member 103, where the tiller 105 is configured to be selectively positioned in the gaps 104 or on the engagement member 103, so that the tiller 105 is in a constant position for a predetermined period of time during the sailing process. In an embodiment, the engagement member 103 is one or a combination of a pin member 103, a slot 110 as shown in FIGS. 1B-1C. The tiller 105 is positioned in any position between the engagement members 103 or over the engagement members 103 to fix the direction of steering using the tiller 105. The slot 110 is also configured to receive the tiller 105 during operation. In order to disengage the tiller 105, there are two ways, for example, by lifting the tiller 105 about ½ inches or more for instant manual control of the tiller 105, or rotate cylinder member 102, for example, about 90 degrees disengaging the engagement members 103 for extended manual control.

In an embodiment, the tiller 105 is further configured to be selectively positioned on one of the engagement members 103 so that the tiller 105 is in a constant position for a predetermined period of time during the sailing process. In an embodiment, the cylinder member 102 is further configured to axially rotate and disengage the tiller 105 from the gaps 104 between the engagement members 103, therefore allowing free movement of the tiller 105 above the cylinder member 102, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 1A-1C. The tiller positioning apparatus 100 further comprises a saddle clamp 107 to rigidly attach the tiller 105 between the gaps 104 as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 2B. In an embodiment, the tiller positioning apparatus 100 further comprises brackets 108 fixedly positioning the elongate members 101 to bridle mounting holes positioned on the flat surface 106 a proximal to the stern end 106 b of the boat 106.

FIG. 2A exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view, showing an enlarged view of the tiller positioning apparatus 100, and FIG. 2B exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of the saddle clamp 107. As shown in FIG. 2A, the cylinder member 102 is, for example, a ½ inch schedule 80 aluminum pipe which is about 26 inches long. The elongate members 101 are, for example, 1 inch×⅛ inch aluminum flat stocks which are rolled to fit aluminum pipe at the respective distal ends. A fastener 111, for example, a ⅛ inch screw is inserted into the rolled section of the aluminum pipe and the aluminum flat stocks to fasten the elongate member 101 and the cylinder member 102. During installation, the existing bridle brackets are removed and then the tiller 105 stops are positioned, and then the bridle brackets are reinstalled to the original position.

As shown in FIG. 2B, in an embodiment, the tiller positioning apparatus 100 further comprises a saddle clamp 107 positioned over the tiller 105 at the point of contact of the tiller 105 with the cylinder member 102, where the saddle clamp 107 is configured to fixedly position the tiller 105 in between one of the engagement members 103 or positioned over the engagement members 103. The saddle clamp 107 provides a tight fit between the engagement members 103 or over the engagement members 103. The width of the saddle clamp 107 is designed to provide a snap fit of the tiller 105 between the engagement members 103. The saddle clamp 107 is, for example, about 5 inches long, 2 inches wide, and ⅛ inches thick plate with chamfered corners. Fasteners 112, for example, ¼ inch screws are provided to fasten the saddle clamp 107 over the tiller 105. The bottom end 107 a of saddle clamp 107 protrudes past bottom of the tiller 105, for example, about 0.5 inches to 0.75 inches.

FIG. 3A exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of the tiller positioning apparatus 100, and FIG. 3B exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of the tiller positioning apparatus 100 positioned on the boat 106. As shown in FIG. 3A, in an embodiment, the elongate member 101 is twisted substantially along the central section 101 a. A fastener 113, for example, a ¼ inch well nut is configured to fasten the elongate members 101 to the round corners defined by the cylinder member 102. The tiller positioning apparatus 100 does not interfere with cockpit, it's easy to engage & disengage, and is made for sailboats whose tillers 105 don't reach the cockpit or have a full cockpit. The operation of the tiller positioning apparatus 100 is single handled and limited to the center of travel, therefore allowing free unrestrained movement of the tiller 105 needed for coming about (tacking) or jibing, and larger course corrections.

The tiller positioning apparatus 100 does not need to be removed to be rendered inoperable. The tiller positioning apparatus 100 does not use, for example, rope, cords or cables of any kind. The tiller 105 in operation with the tiller positioning apparatus 100 is designed to rotate out of the way when not in use. The installation of the tiller positioning apparatus 100 requires no modifications to the existing sailboat, that is, existing hardware can be modified for the tiller positioning apparatus 100 to function. The tiller positioning apparatus 100 is designed to aid in the steering of a wind powered sailing craft, and the tiller positioning apparatus 100 allows the user to let go of the tiller 105 and have the tiller 105 remain stationary to allow the sailboat to continue on its same course.

The foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present concept disclosed herein. While the concept has been described with reference to various embodiments, it is understood that the words, which have been used herein, are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Further, although the concept has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments, the concept is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the concept extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of this specification, may affect numerous modifications thereto and changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the concept in its aspects. 

I claim:
 1. A tiller positioning apparatus for selectively positioning a tiller of a boat, the tiller positioning apparatus comprising: at least two elongate members juxtaposed on a flat surface proximal to a stern end of the boat; a cylinder member fixedly attached between the juxtaposed elongate members; a plurality of engagement members positioned on the cylinder member to form a plurality of gaps between each engagement member, wherein the tiller is configured to be selectively positioned in one of the engagement members and the gaps so that the tiller is in a constant position for a predetermined period of time during the sailing process.
 2. The tiller positioning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the engagement member is one or a combination of a pin member, and a slot.
 3. The tiller positioning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tiller is further configured to be selectively positioned on one of the engagement members so that the tiller is in a constant position for a predetermined period of time during the sailing process.
 4. The tiller positioning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cylinder member is further configured to axially rotate and disengage the tiller from the gaps between the engagement members, therefore allowing free movement of the tiller above the cylinder member.
 5. The tiller positioning apparatus of claim 1, further comprising brackets fixedly positioning the elongate members to bridle mounting holes positioned on the flat surface proximal to the stern end of the boat.
 6. The tiller positioning apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a saddle clamp positioned over the tiller at the point of contact of the tiller with the cylinder member, wherein the saddle clamp is configured to fixedly position the tiller between one of the engagement members.
 7. The tiller positioning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongate member is twisted substantially along a central section. 